is an immersive experience that reproduces either a real or an imagined environment, which allows the users to immerse themselves in it and interact with it as if they were really there.

Bringing audiences closer to the reality of a story has always been the preoccupation of journalists, and VR, now more than ever, offers an ideal multimedia experience for audiences to embark in an the immersive and interactive world of stories.

For centuries journalists have adapted new technologies and, together with their audiences, developed vocabulary and conventions to help new forms fulfill an old task: convey as truthfully as possible an account of aspects of life in ways that engage audiences and contribute usefully to their worldview.

VR and 360° video have now the potential to enhance storytelling by offering experiences and environments to their viewers that are out of their reach yet so real and immersive.

Virtual reality is another disruption of traditional journalistic competences with technology that has started creating waves in the field of journalism. These technologies not only have increased elements of accuracy, reach, feel but also have started questioning the 'human element’ of newsmakers or news consumers. If used appropriately, VR and 360° could offer promising paths for journalistic innovation.

Workshop: The Immersive Story: How Virtual Reality could change the journalism industry

Videos

Photos

The AR/VR Innovation Lab in Palestine Techno Park will offer dedicated spaces for the exploration of cutting-edge immersive technologies. The AR/VR lab will be equipped with the newest technologies that include various software and design platforms, a variety of VR headsets, workstations, and filming resources to help students experiment and create innovative AR/VR solutions for a wide range of industries.
Additional to the exclusive equipment, resources and spaces that the AR/VR lab will offer a wide range of workshops, training programs and learning possibilities will be organized throughout the year. The AR/VR lab has already contracted a group of highly trained and motivated professionals to provide for training and mentoring of the lab’s members additional to international and renowned guest professionals attending the planned workshops.

AR/VR Innovation Lab will offer

A full and engaging experience with the latest AR/VR equipment in an open session.

A unique possibility to learn about the immersive technologies from a dedicated team of experienced trainers and mentors.

Knowledge expansion for university students in applying the immersive technologies to their specific fields and build deeper learning processes to open new horizons for their future employment opportunities.

The right environment for entrepreneurs, startups and companies to further develop their AR/VR projects and businesses.

Incubation opportunities for individuals and teams to enable them to provide market ready AR/VR products and services.

Unique chances to attend workshops and meet with guest speakers and lecturers with vast experiences in various immersive technologies.

Available AR/VR equipment and software

VR-Ready Workstations

The HTC Vive & Vive Pro

Oculus Rift

Oculus Go

Samsung Gear VR

Lenovo Explorer Mixed Reality

Augmented Mobile & Tablet displays

Leap Motion Sensors

Software such as Unity, Unreal and Maya LT

Other production software

Green Screen Room

Various Production equipment (4K Cameras, Light accessories and sound systems)

Hani is a repeat entrepreneur who’s been involved in starting several creative tech companies in North America and the Middle East. He has two decades of experience in developing award-winning console and mobile games as well as VR experiences for publishers that included Ubisoft, Activision and Square Enix.

Hani is currently the CEO of Mental, an industry leading Virtual and Mixed Reality studio based in Abu Dhabi with offices in Cracow, Poland. Mental works for brands such as Samsung, Lexus, Cert, Injazat and Toyota.

Jason Higgins established Harmony Studios in 1996 in the UK as a 3D Web company. The award winning agency now specializes in the development of Augmented and Virtual Reality solutions across a wide range of industries including from consumer and retail to industrial and pharmaceutical.

In addition to software, Harmony Studios have designed and developed immersive hardware such as suggestive motion seating and software controlled scent delivery systems for experiences. Harmony Studios work for brands such as Delta Airlines, Sealed Air, Unilever, Nissan, BP and British Land plc